Passport stolen while traveling: what to do, step by step

You realize it at the hotel, in a restaurant or on the subway: your wallet is gone. Take a breath. With these steps, in most cases you’ll be able to continue your trip or get home without problems.

1. Block your cards

Do this first, from your bank’s app or by calling its emergency number. The sooner you do it, the lower the risk of charges.

2. File a report with the local police

Always ask for a copy. Your consulate, bank and travel insurance will ask for it.

3. Contact your country’s consulate or embassy

They can issue an emergency travel document or a temporary passport so you can get home. Bring the police report, a passport photo and, if you have one, a copy of your passport. If you’re an EU citizen and your country has no representation there, the consulate of any other EU country can help you.

4. Notify your travel insurance and your airline

Many insurance policies cover costs from stolen documents. And if your return flight is coming up, let the airline know you’ll be traveling with a temporary document.

5. Check your accounts over the following days

Make sure there are no unusual transactions and change your passwords if your phone was stolen too.

How to keep it from happening again

• Save a photo of your documents to the cloud before you leave.
• Don’t carry everything together: keep cards and cash separate.
• Carry your passport and valuables in a hidden belt wallet, under your clothes and out of pickpockets’ reach.